Hello my darling dears! Itâs Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time-travelling blogger, back for another #TutuTuesday adventure! I'm whisked back to a glorious Tuesday in 1895, Paris, the capital of chic, and boy, oh boy, is it buzzing!
Paris in 1895 - The City of Lights, Romance and⌠Tutus!
The air is thick with the smell of fresh croissants and perfume. The streets are overflowing with the latest fashions, from the sleek tailoring of men's suits to the elaborate and extravagant gowns women are sporting. But my dear readers, it's the stage, where the real fashion drama unfolds! And you won't believe what I saw today!
We're at the OpÊra Garnier, a stunning building filled with the most exquisite architectural details - intricate carvings, marble floors, shimmering gold and⌠wait for it⌠the most magnificent tutus!
Now, I'm not talking about the frilly little ones we see on ballet students today, no no, darling! I'm talking FULL, dramatic and utterly gorgeous tutus, a symphony of tulle and silk that simply makes your heart skip a beat!
Today was the opening night of the newest production of La Bayadère, and it was a triumph! The dancers, dressed in billowing white tutus with exquisite floral embellishments, flew across the stage with such grace and precision. You could literally feel the magic of the story being woven before your eyes!
Tutus Through the Ages
Now, I'm not just here to be a fan-girl, no darling! We're taking a little history lesson today, aren't we? Letâs delve into the wonderful world of tutus and discover how they became a symbol of grace and elegance, particularly within the ballet world.
Believe it or not, the tutu as we know it wasn't a fixed entity until the Romantic ballet period of the early 19th century. It began evolving around the 1830s, thanks to the visionary genius of Marie Taglioni. Remember that name! She was a pioneer of female dance and an icon of the time.
Before Marie, ballerinas were shrouded in heavy, floor-length gowns. Talk about restrictive! But then Marie, with her incredible grace, brought about a revolution by literally lifting up the hemline! This allowed for greater movement, showing off the ballerinas' artistry and creating the now-familiar romantic silhouette that is instantly recognised across the globe.
A World of Pink!
Now, I must tell you, seeing these ballerinas in their gorgeous white tutus really made me want to shout âPINK!â right from the balcony. Yes, darling, Iâve been thinking. Perhaps the evolution of the tutu isn't quite finished! Imagine a full-bodied pink tutu - the ultimate symbol of elegance and beauty, of femininity and freedom. A vision, isnât it?
Pink is a force for good. It signifies love, joy, and happiness. What better way to add a splash of delight to the ballet than with a breathtaking pink tutu?
I'll let my readers know if my plans to introduce the pink tutu on stage come to fruition, and of course, I'll document the journey right here on Pink Tutu, your weekly dose of all things ballet!
London Bound: The Railway Journey
But for now, itâs back to the present for me! Catching the Eurostar from Gare du Nord to St Pancras â I'm so thrilled! There's just something so romantic about railway travel, donât you think? I plan to indulge in the luxurious first-class compartment and, naturally, have a glass of bubbly while soaking in the sights whizzing by.
My darling dears, there's a ballet performance by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House this weekend, and I simply cannot wait! A performance by some of the worldâs finest dancers and... I know you are all thinking it... I'm hoping for a pinch of pink! Maybe just a touch? Perhaps in the choreography? I canât wait!
I shall report back soon with all the details of the weekendâs performance â I have my best pink tutu and my fanciest pair of high heels ready for a most enjoyable weekend! Until next time, darlings, remember to stay bright and beautiful.
And remember to keep those pink tutus spinning!
XOXO, Emma
#PinkTutu #BalletHistory #TutuTuesday #LaBayadere #RoyalOperaHouse #Paris1895
